Speaking following the statement, Warburton said: "Obviously we'd like to say that every player's thoughts and prayers are with Owen and his family. We've tried to get in touch with Owen and a couple of the guys are over there - his brother, Macauley (Cook) is over there as well.

"We've all sent messages; we want Owen to know we are thinking about him.

"He's a tough guy Owen. Fingers crossed, we're still waiting for some more news, but really hope he's okay."

“We have our fingers crossed and all the boys have sent personal messages already to his family out in Singapore.

“Hopefully he knows all of our thoughts are with him."

Asked about extreme injuries in rugby, Warburton said: “It’s scary because it is not like it was a malicious tip tackle or anything like that. It was a freak accident and as a player it does make you wonder about prioritising the important things in life.

“It does worry you when it comes to playing rugby but I am sure everyone is going through similar emotions.”

Rugby fans and players from around the world have sent heartfelt messages to Williams and his family as he remains in a Singapore hospital following the incident during a match on Sunday. The twitter hashtag #staystrongforows has gathered huge momentum over the past 24 hours.

Williams' brother Gavin, who works within the game as a WRU participation officer, tweeted: "So emotional reading all the support...it's overwhelming. In the hospital next to my brother, he's a warrior.

"Thank you all for your concern and messages. He's a strong boy."

The hashtag #staystrongforOws was trending in the aftermath of Owen Williams' injury

The injury was sustained in the third/fourth place play-off against the Asia Pacific Dragons at the National Stadium at the Singapore Sports Hub.

The game was halted for some time as medics tended to Williams following a tackle.

Williams is regarded one of Welsh rugby’s most promising prospects having made his Test debut against Japan last summer and scoring a superb individual try against Tonga last Autumn.

A product of Aberdare RFC and St Johns School, Williams came through the Cardiff Blues Academy system. Spotted playing for Neath College, the young player was picked up by the international set up, collecting Wales caps at an U16 and U20 level as part of the Junior World Cup squad who toured Argentina.